Socceroos teen breaks Aussie record with $33m Premier League move
Updated . First published
Socceroos teenager Lucas Herrington has become Australia’s most expensive football transfer ever after Hull City confirmed a five-year deal on Thursday (AEST).
The newly promoted Premier League club signed Herrington from Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids for an undisclosed fee, but it has been widely reported to be about $33 million, including add-ons.
Lucas Herrington has signed with Hull City. Hull City
That surpasses Harry Souttar’s $23m move to Leicester City in 2023, while Nestory Irankunda is close to finalising a $24.5m package with Sporting Lisbon.
The precocious 18-year-old centre back became the youngest player to start a World Cup match for Australia in the Socceroos’ 0-0 draw against Paraguay this year.
“I’m buzzing to be here. It’s a great project and a great club to be a part of. I’m so excited to be here,” Herrington said.
“The opportunity to play in the Premier League, one of the best leagues in the world, is a dream come true. I’ve woken up at all hours in the morning in Australia to watch these games. To be a part of it is so special.
“To hear from the club and coaching staff has been so exciting for me. I can’t wait to meet all the boys and the fans. I’m here to work hard and hopefully get a lot of games in the Premier League.”
It has been a rollercoaster journey for the young defender over the last 12 months.
In January, he had just made the move from the A-League to the MLS.
Previously signed to the Brisbane Roar, Herrington was sold to the Rapids for a fee of $800,000.
Herrington revealed he sounded out Socceroos teammate Jackson Irvine before signing.
Irvine played 107 games for Hull between 2017-20.
“I spoke to Jacko, and he said very good things about the club and the area. He loved his time here. To hear that from him, after being with him at the World Cup, gave me a sense of calmness,” Herrington said.
Lucas Herrington was the youngest person in action for Australia at the World Cup. Alex Livesey
“It was a dream come true to represent my country at the World Cup – something I had always wanted to do. To achieve it at 18 was so special and to have my family in the stands meant everything to me.
“I’m really looking forward to the first game against Manchester United. I can’t wait to get started.”
Had the Roar not sold their 20 per cent sell-on rights for Herrington in exchange for cash, the club could’ve pocketed $6.5m for Herrington’s move.
Herrington’s 18 games in Rapids colours, 16 of which he started in, set him up for both an international debut in March and a MLS All-Star selection.
Herrington also bravely stepped up to take a penalty but missed as the Socceroos bowed out against Egypt in the World Cup round of 32.
Despite missing the shot, Herrington received encouragement from Swedish great Zlatan Ibrahimović, who praised him for taking on such a big task at a young age.
Hull owner Acun Ilicali described Herrington as a “future star.”
Lucas Herrington (left) playing for Colorado Rapids in MLS. AP
“He’s got very big potential,” he told the BBC.
Herrington is now in line to take on giants Manchester United in the season opener on August 22 (AEST).
That match will kick off at 9.30pm on Stan Sport.
Herrington is not the only Australian star who will now feature in a top five league this season, with Paul Okon-Engstler signing with FC Koln in the Bundesliga and Patrick Beach with Troyes in Ligue 1. - with Simon Brunsdon
Football’s new home, Stan Sport, is the only place to watch the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, WSL, J.League, NWSL and K League
